Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorneys

Hurt in a Car? Call HHR! Free Case Review at (888) 498-3023.

Our Pennsylvania car accident lawyers know what crash survivors face in the days and weeks after a collision. Medical bills pile up while injuries keep you from working. Lost income can quickly turn into stress, guilt, and anger—especially when the accident wasn’t your fault. For many, the only way forward is hiring an attorney to hold the negligent driver accountable.

If this sounds like what you’re going through, you’ve found the right Pennsylvania car accident law firm. Since 1922, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC has handled tens of thousands of car accident claims for clients across the state. We’ve won tens of millions for people who thought their accidents had taken away their futures. The work of our personal injury lawyers has helped clients pay off every penny of their medical debt, restore their savings, and secure a more stable future. Our Central Pennsylvania car accident attorneys offer free case reviews to explore your recovery options—one call can start the process.

To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today. We represent plaintiffs in car accident claims from offices in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County, and York, PA.

What Does a Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyer Do?

A Pennsylvania car accident attorney represents people injured in motor vehicle collisions—cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more—and fights to recover the compensation they need. These cases can be complex, and navigating them without a lawyer can leave you vulnerable to insurance company tactics that reduce your recovery.

Our role as your crash lawyer goes beyond legal filings. We investigate the accident, prove fault, and stand up to insurers while offering the guidance and support you need to focus on healing. From the first call to the final resolution, we work to protect your rights and secure the resources to rebuild your life.

The role of a Pennsylvania car accident lawyer includes:

1. Investigating the Accident: Gathering police reports, photos, videos, and witness statements to determine what happened and why.
2. Establishing Liability: Proving the at-fault party’s negligence, recklessness, or traffic law violations.
3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Countering lowball offers and ensuring the settlement reflects your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
4. Calculating Damages: Assessing the full scope of losses, including long-term medical needs, pain and suffering, and reduced earning capacity.
5. Representing You in Court: Presenting a strong case to a judge or jury when insurers refuse to settle fairly.

A skilled car crash attorney in Pennsylvania can make the difference between walking away with the bare minimum and securing a recovery that truly meets your needs.

Key Legal Steps in Pennsylvania Car Accident Cases

Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC prepares every auto accident case for trial, leveraging our deep knowledge of local courts to develop proven strategies. Our team’s understanding of Central Pennsylvania’s community standards and courtroom customs gives our clients the advantage of truly localized representation and strategy—no matter where their accident happened.

Here’s what to expect:

• Initial complaint: Filing your official claim within the court’s jurisdiction and according to Pennsylvania state rules.
• Pre-trial motions and discovery: Exchanging vital information, deposing witnesses, and collecting evidence.
• Mediation/arbitration: Court-ordered alternative dispute resolution, common in Central PA, can foster settlements without trial.
• Trial: When settlement is not achieved, the case goes before a judge or jury—where knowledge of regional roads and local crash scenarios may be influential.

Car accident claims in Pennsylvania could involve mediation, arbitration, or settlement conferences, which are often mandatory under state law.

PennDOT 2023 Car Accident Statistics

• Total Reported Crashes: 110,382
• Total Non-Fatal Injuries: 66,546
• Total Deaths in PA: 1,209

Economic loss due to reported traffic crashes amounted to $2,262 for every man, woman, and child.

Top Causes of Driver Error Car Accidents

Driver error causes tens of thousands of serious crashes. Each of these mistakes leaves behind evidence—skid marks, phone records, witness statements, vehicle data—that can be used to prove fault. A skilled Pennsylvania car accident attorney knows how to collect and preserve this evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, and uncover patterns of negligence. By connecting the driver’s actions to the harm you suffered, your lawyer can build a compelling claim for full compensation, whether through insurance negotiations or in court.

The most common causes of car accidents (and the number of accidents they cause per year) include:

• Speed-Related Crashes: 23,070
• DUI-Related Accidents: 7,350
• Improper Turning Related: 10,529
• Distracted Drivers: 9,011
• Proceeding Without Clearance: 13,432
• Careless / Illegal Passing: 5,232
• Tailgating: 5,562
• Drowsy Drivers: 2,706

These numbers illustrate the most common types of driver error that result in collisions across Pennsylvania. Many crashes stem from avoidable mistakes and high-risk behaviors. Speeding is a leading factor, especially on interstates like I-80 and I-83, while distracted driving is more common in urban settings. Crash causes also vary by location, with rural roads in Central PA seeing more crashes due to drowsy driving or poor visibility, while city roads see a higher incidence of rear-end and improper turning accidents.

Using an Auto Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania to Handle Insurers

Effective negotiation with insurers demands a well-prepared case and experience with how insurance companies operate in Pennsylvania. Our attorneys develop comprehensive claims supported by thorough evidence, medical documentation, and expert assessments. We are knowledgeable in Pennsylvania’s Unfair Insurance Practices Act, allowing us to challenge unfair settlement delays or denials and to push for fair compensation based on the claim’s true value.

In more challenging cases—including those with multiple insurance policies, disputes regarding uninsured coverage, or injuries caused by underinsured drivers—our car accident attorneys in Pennsylvania identify every available avenue to recover damages.

By handling all insurer communications, we help clients avoid costly missteps and protect the full value of their potential recovery.

Types of Pennsylvania Car Accident Claims We Handle

Drunk Driving Accidents

Per drunk driving statistics from 2023, DUI accidents accounted for 25 percent of all traffic-related deaths in Pennsylvania, with 308 people losing their lives in DUI accidents in the Commonwealth. Per the NHTSA, approximately 37 people die each day in alcohol-related crashes.

Our drunk driving accident attorneys fight for clients injured by drivers under the influence. We work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure victims of DUI accidents get what they need to cover medical bills, lost income, and other losses caused by a crash. Our detailed research and dedicated approach empower victims and their families to regain control of their lives and futures.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving is becoming one of the most common reasons for car accidents. Distracted drivingdue to texting and other distractions is increasing throughout the United States. Almost 3,522 people lost their lives in distracted driving accidents during 2021.

The repercussions of distracted driving can extend beyond the immediate aftermath of an accident. Victims often face long-term recovery processes and financial instability due to ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation costs. By taking legal action, victims can work towards regaining financial stability, ensuring they receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

When a driver hits another vehicle and leaves the scene without sharing information, they can be charged with causing a hit-and-run accident. These accidents may be connected with other types listed here, such as distracted driving and speeding.

Addressing the challenges of hit-and-run cases, our Pennsylvania car accident attorneys prioritize gathering evidence to identify the driver who hit our client, enhancing the likelihood of recovery. We collaborate with local authorities and use advanced investigation resources to pursue every possible lead.

Head-On Accidents

Head-on collisions can be one of the deadliest types of car accidents. In a head-on collision, the front of the vehicle can crush passengers, pinning them between the dashboard and the seat.

Survivors of head-on collisions often contend with severe injuries such as fractures, head trauma, and internal injuries, which necessitate extensive medical treatment. Our approach involves thorough case evaluation, including engaging medical professionals, to present a robust claim for necessary compensation. We prioritize securing damages for medical care, rehabilitation, and any adaptive equipment required for recovery.

Rear-End Crashes (Fender Benders)

A rear-end collision occurs when the car in front suddenly stops or the car in the back speeds faster than the car in front. In almost all cases, the car in the rear is blamed for the crash. At speeds as low as 20 mph, victims of rear-end collisions can suffer back injuries and chronic neck pain due to whiplash. It doesn't take much speed for an impact to severely hurt someone.

Our legal team thoroughly examines the specifics of each rear-end collision case, proactively collaborating with experts in accident reconstruction to ascertain the exact cause and fault. This ensures that the claims are supported by credible testimonies and scientific evidence, improving the prospects of obtaining a favorable resolution for clients.

Commercial Truck Accidents

Accidents caused by large commercial vehicles are catastrophic for passengers of other vehicles. In more than 70 percent of truck accidents, the injuries and fatalities are passengers of the other vehicles. A typical passenger vehicle simply cannot withstand the impact from a tractor-trailer; therefore, the occupants are severely injured. Because insurance companies aggressively fight truck accident claims, victims should contact a Pennsylvania truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect their rights.

Our dedicated team tackles the intricate details of trucking regulations and aggressive insurance practices. By understanding federal and state laws governing commercial trucking operations, we bolster the strength of our representation. We focus on identifying all parties accountable, such as trucking companies, for logistics oversight that led to the accident, ensuring that justice is achieved comprehensively.

Traffic Accidents with Government Vehicles

If a government vehicle is involved in a traffic accident, you must act quickly. In most cases, you must provide notice of your intent to file a claim within a short time period or you lose your right to compensation from the government entity. For car accidents involving government vehicles, contact our office immediately to protect your right to receive fair financial compensation.

We understand the stringent procedural demands associated with claims against government entities. Our attorneys are adept at navigating these complexities, ensuring timely submissions of necessary legal documents. We explore all avenues of potential liability to optimize the compensation attainable for victims, safeguarding their rights amidst challenging bureaucratic processes.

Speeding Accidents

Driving too fast for the road conditions or your vehicle is dangerous. One false move and you are out of control, which could not only injure you, but also innocent victims. Be conscientious about your speed, drive within your limits (and your vehicle's limits), and avoid hurting yourself or anyone else around you.

In addressing cases stemming from speeding accidents, our legal experts assess environmental factors and vehicle conditions that might have exacerbated the event. This careful inquiry assists in crafting a complete narrative, effectively demonstrating negligence and securing appropriate restitution for physical and emotional damages endured by our clients.

Accidents Caused by Fatigued Drivers

While truck drivers are typically thought of when speaking of fatigued drivers, virtually anyone can fall into this category. Although most car accidents attributed to fatigued drivers happen between 11 pm and 8 am, some folks keep different hours than the rest of us. People working the night shift can be fatigued on their way home while most people are heading into the office for the day.

Fatigue-related accidents often require a nuanced understanding of both drivers' working hours and sleep patterns. We take a meticulous approach by analyzing work schedules, obtaining expert testimonies on sleep deprivation, and examining travel logs to establish clear evidence of driver fatigue, holding those accountable for negligence.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers have a bad reputation for a good reason. These are one of the most serious types of crashes because of their high fatality rate. Despite being one of the least common types of car accidents, rollovers kill a significant number of Americans each year. Per the NHTSA, rollover accidents account for just 2.1 percent of accidents. However, these accidents account for nearly 35 percent of all car accident fatalities. Rollover accidents are deadly, yet completely preventable. In fact, in Pennsylvania, rollover accidents account for nearly 3.7 percent of passenger car accidents but make up 18.5 percent of fatalities.

When a tire loses traction, a vehicle is at risk of becoming unstable. When a person drives a vehicle outside of its performance limits, attempts an emergency maneuver, or drives in severe weather, they might lose tire traction. As a remedy, many modern vehicles come equipped with traction control systems. Known as Electric Stability Control, these help drivers prevent rollovers by up to 80 percent by reducing power to wheels and preventing them from losing their grip. The NHTSA has required all vehicles produced since 2012 to have ESC. This requirement will save an estimated 5,300-9,600 lives.

Our Pennsylvania car accident law firm ensures thorough explorations of rollover cases, focusing on vehicle design factors, driver actions, and road conditions. By engaging experts in vehicle dynamics and accident reconstruction, we critically assess whether deficits in vehicle safety or poor driver judgment contributed to causing the accident. This solid, evidence-backed approach facilitates favorable findings in complex rollover claims.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents & Pile-Up Accidents

Serious and fatal accidents often involve multiple vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, or even emergency vehicles. Multi-vehicle accidents are often catastrophic and can result in life-changing injuries and even death. The mass of damage and crushed vehicles makes it difficult, or nearly impossible, for victims to protect themselves before another vehicle strikes them. During multi-vehicle collisions, vehicles tend to be hit numerous times, causing passengers to sustain multiple injuries. These types of accidents can occur for a variety of reasons and at virtually any type of location.

Common pile-up accident crash sites include:

• Intersections: It can be difficult for cars to stop quickly if they are following another vehicle closely. Running a red light, not yielding, or stopping suddenly can all cause multi-vehicle crashes.
• Highways: Speeding, being distracted, or tailgating other vehicles at high speeds can contribute to multi-vehicle crashes. On the highway, the impact of a collision will be worse.
• Rear-end: Tailgating another vehicle and being distracted can cause a driver to rear-end the vehicle in front of them. Rear-end collisions can cause a chain reaction and create a multi-vehicle accident.
• Cross Lane: Vehicles can be sent across several lanes when they are struck in a collision, causing them to hit many other vehicles. In collisions like semi-truck jackknife accidents, the length of the sideways trailer can be long enough to block three or four lanes at once.

Our legal representation for multi-vehicle accidents includes rigorous analysis of police records, crash reports, and witness testimonies to accurately determine responsibility for initiating collisions. We prioritize identifying the cascade of actions leading to such disasters, ensuring comprehensive accountability, determination, and fair restitution possibilities for involved parties.

Calculating Damages in Pennsylvania Car Accident Cases

To recover the full value of your Pennsylvania car accident claim, you need to account for both economic and non-economic damages. Our attorneys work with medical and financial experts to document your injuries, treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and future care needs. Your insurance choice—full tort or limited tort—can affect which damages you can recover, so having an experienced car accident lawyer is key to identifying every possible source of compensation.

We also make sure the less visible costs are included, such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability. By building strong evidence and negotiating aggressively, we fight to secure every dollar you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania law.

About No-Fault Insurance & Liability Insurance Claims

You may have more financial options than you think. Car accident claims in Pennsylvania involve a combination of "no-fault" and "at-fault" insurance claims. Drivers have several auto insurance options. Under the law, "no-fault" insurance benefits include compensation for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from the accident. "At fault" or "liability" benefits include non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and mental anguish.

In some cases, at-fault drivers lack sufficient liability insurance to compensate our clients. In such cases, we have identified other sources of insurance coverage to ensure that the financial compensation you receive is fair and just. Our accident investigators have uncovered multiple sources of fault in thousands of cases, allowing us to generate total financial relief for the injured. Our car crash lawyers have handled tens of thousands of these cases throughout the state since 1922. We are ready to fight for your future.

The Car Accident Lawyers Pennsylvania Has Relied On Since 1922

If you have been injured in a car crash, including Uber and Lyft accidents, seek advice from an attorney without delay. This ensures your claim is filed within the time limits required by law and allows important evidence to be preserved. Our firm has offices across the state, making our representation stress-free and convenient. Contact us immediately to learn more about how our firm can help you.

At HHR, we represent car accident victims throughout Pennsylvania and are prepared to help with personal injury cases of all kinds. Regardless of whether you suffered serious property damage, catastrophic injuries, or if you lost a loved one and are now facing a wrongful death case, give us a call. From motorcycle accidents to truck accidents and everything in between, we're the team to trust.

Contact Handler, Henning & Rosenberg at (888) 498-3023 to schedule an appointment.